Using a Battery 29
Using a Battery

Battery Performance

NOTE: Batteries for portable computers are covered only during the initial one-year period of the limited
warranty for your computer. For more information about the Dell warranty for your computer, see your
Product Information Guide.
Use a battery to power the computer when it is not connected to an electrical outlet. One battery is
supplied as standard equipment in the battery bay.
NOTE: Battery operating time (the time the battery can hold a charge) decreases over time. Depending
on how often the battery is used and the conditions under which it is used, you may need to purchase a
new battery during the life of your computer.
Battery operating time varies depending on operating conditions. Operating time may be
significantly reduced when you perform operations including, but not limited to, the following:
NOTE: It is recommended that you connect your computer to an electrical outlet when writing to a CD.
• Using optical drives, especially DVD and CD-RW drives.
• Using wireless communications devices, PC Cards, or USB devices.
• Using high-brightness display settings.
• Using 3D screen savers or other power-intensive programs such as 3D games and
engineering programs.
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode. See "Power Management" in the
Dell Inspiron Help
file for more information. To access the help file, see page10.
You can set power management options to alert you when the battery charge is low.
CAUTION: Using an incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the
battery only with a compatible battery purchased from Dell. The lithium-ion battery is designed to work
with your Dell™ computer. Do not use a battery from other computers with your computer.
CAUTION: Do not dispose of batteries with household waste. When your battery no longer holds a
charge, call your local waste disposal or environmental agency for advice on disposing of a lithium-ion
battery. See the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.
CAUTION: Misuse of the battery may increase the risk of fire or chemical burn. Do not puncture,
incinerate, disassemble, or expose the battery to temperatures above 65°C (149°F). Keep the battery
away from children. Handle damaged or leaking batteries with extreme care. Damaged batteries may
leak and cause personal injury or equipment damage.